A Step Two Close

  I felt his hand on my shoulder. “Calm down, Ayden, you’re fine. We had to bring you to hospital, and the doctors had to pump your stomach.”

  Wait. What?

  “What the fuck’s going on, Christian?”

  I managed to open my eyes fully and tried to sit myself up. Christian soon got up and tried holding me down. “Do you not remember what happened? Don’t you remember going round to your mum’s house for dinner?”

  Then it all came back to me. The last thing I remembered was sitting at the dinner table, and my throat felt like it was burning up. My heart starting racing, and I felt weak. Next moment, I had collapsed, and I didn’t remember anything after that.

  “What did she do to me, Christian?” I felt the tears well, but it hurt my throat.

  I heard him sigh. “She poisoned your food with Cyanide, Ayden. I’m so sorry.” I felt him rub my shoulder in comfort, but no level of shoulder rubbing could comfort me.

  I shouldn’t be surprised, should I? My mum had always been a little fucked up, so why should this be any different?

  Maybe because she tried to kill you!

  That thought scrambled about in my head for a while before it actually sank in. Did my mother actually try to kill me?

  I should’ve cried. I wanted to cry, but the tears never came. Strange. I had been crying buckets over Hunter, but couldn’t seem to find it in my heart to shed one tear over the fact that my mother hated me so damn much that she had tried to murder me.

  “Hunter’s in the hospital. He hasn’t left your side. The only reason he’s not here now is because he went to get some coffee.”

  I snapped my head towards him. “Hunter’s here?”

  Christian nodded with a smile. “He was the one who found you and saved you. To be honest, I intervened when you didn’t text me.” He dipped his head before meeting my eyes again. “I had to tell him, A. I’m so sorry, but I knew there was something wrong. He had to know, so he could go to the house and make sure you were okay. He let us both in and found you on the floor having a seizure. Your mother must have left the house by then.”

  My eyes widened. “Where is she now?”

  “The police are out looking for her.” I groaned. “And that’s not it either.”

  I looked to him. “What?”

  Christian bit his lip. “The press got wind of it, too. They’ve been camping outside the hospital ever since trying to get news of your condition.”

  I closed my eyes with a groan. “For years, I kept this a secret, and now the whole world knows?”

  “And so they should, AJ.”

  I looked across to find Hunter’s voice and saw him standing there with a coffee in his hands. He looked every bit the handsome Hunter I knew him to be, but he was tired. His face was gaunt, and he obviously hadn’t shaved in a few days.

  “How are you feeling?”

  I groaned. “Like I’ve been run over by a bus.”

  Hunter pointed to the door. “I should get the doctor. You’ve been out for a few days. Everyone’s been worried sick about you.”

  I went to tell him it was fine, but he was out the door before I could say anything. I turned back to Christian and found him smiling. “What?”

  “That boy has it bad for my Ayden.”

  I huffed. “Don’t be silly. He probably just feels sorry for me now. I hate people’s pity.” I groaned again. “Does the whole of the United Kingdom know about this now?”

  He nodded. “Sorry, mate. It’s been on the news as well, so I would say more than the UK know about your story by now.” He paused a moment before speaking. “And, you’re wrong by the way.”

  I frowned at him. “Wrong about what?”

  “The way Hunter feels about you.”

  At that moment, Hunter and a doctor stepped into the room. “Miss Pearson, you gave us quite the scare for a moment there.” The middle-aged doctor smiled at me. He had grey hair, glasses, and very nice teeth. “How are you feeling?”

  “Sore,” I admitted.

  The doctor offered me a tight smile. “Well, we had to pump your stomach, and at first, we didn’t know what was inside you. We suspected poisoning because of your history and the fact that your stepbrother told us you were found by the dining table. The police helped us quickly and managed to find traces of a white powder in your kitchen. First, we had to treat you for suspected poisoning, but we needed the confirmation of what you were poisoned with before we could administer any specific drugs. You were very ill, Miss Pearson, but I think your stepbrother’s quick thinking saved your life.” He smiled at me, and I turned my head to Hunter. He looked both relieved and lost.

  “So, when can I go home?”

  The doctor looked at Hunter and then back at me. I could see what that look entailed. He knew what I was getting myself into once I left this room.

  “Luckily, we managed to treat you before you had any long term neurological or pulmonary damage.” He then checked my charts and tested my vitals. “I think, all going well, you could leave here in a couple of days.”

  I smiled. “Thank you, Doctor.”

  He nodded. “I will get the nurse to come by with some food in a little while. We want to see you get your strength back up.” He then walked out the door leaving me, Hunter, and Christian alone in the room.

  Hunter quickly looked to Christian. “Do you mind if I have a private word with AJ?”

  Christian got up with a smile. “No, not at all. I need to get home anyway.” He leaned over, kissed my forehead and grabbed my hand. “Stay strong, Ayden. I never want to go through that again.”

  I laughed at his smile. “I don’t either, Christian. That’s for certain.” He squeezed my hand one more time before walking out the door.

  “He loves you.”

  I tried sitting up a little. “That’s not the first time I’ve heard that today.”

  Hunter frowned. “What’s that?”

  I shook my head with a smile. “Nothing.”

  Hunter came and sat down next to me. His sheer presence had me weak, since he was close. So close in fact that I could have reached out and touched his arm.

  “I suppose you’re really angry with me again.” I looked away, feeling ashamed. I was doing that a lot lately.

  “AJ, I am angry, but I’m only angry with your mother. Not you.” He grabbed my hand—making me look at him. “Never you.”

  “I swear I never said anything simply because I thought she was getting better. I thought that despite what she thought of and did to me, she loved Mason. That’s what I kept telling myself.”

  Hunter shook my hand. “AJ, you don’t have to justify your actions to me. You’re the victim here.” He looked away a moment like he was disgusted. “Christian told me this has been going on ever since your father died. No one ever deserves to be treated the way you were, AJ. She’s your mother. She’s supposed to love you.”

  At his words, the tears finally made an appearance. Before then, I had been numb. Hunter just seemed to bring it all out of me.

  “I’m sorry,” I breathed out. “About everything.”

  Hunter sighed and closed his eyes a moment. “I know. I wished it wasn’t so, but I do realise that things were more than a little complicated for you.” He grimaced. “I’m just finding this all a little overwhelming at the moment. I need time. I just can’t seem to stop playing it all over in my head.”

  I reached out and touched his hand. “I know, Hunter. I do. Just be here for now... as my friend. That’s all I ask.”

  He breathed out a sigh of relief and smiled. “Okay.”

  “Thank you for saving my life.”

  Hunter’s smile was wide, though sadness was still hidden inside those green eyes of his. “Don’t mention it, AJ.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Soon after that, the police came and interviewed me. It was a strange feeling because I had never bared my soul like that to anyone. Sure, Christian and Mandy knew what my mother was capable of, but they didn’t have t
he full picture. They didn’t see the hurt inside that I had to carry around with me. Hunter did. Hunter knew all along there was something simmering inside of me, and that was why I would forever call him my best friend. I had no clue what may exist between us beyond friendship; I was just happy that he was once again in my life.

  As far as my mother was concerned, she was caught by police while trying to leave the country the following day. That caused a flurry of even more news to spread across the country. I felt violated. I didn’t want this. I didn’t ask for this. Hunter tried soothing me by explaining how the world deserved to know the kind of person my mother was. How she deserved to experience the level of abuse that she no doubt would receive once everyone knew she was a child abuser.

  Yes, I winced at that phrase. It was a horrible phrase, and it was one I would no doubt have to get used to. It was a childhood where I was brought up from the age of six not knowing any better. I got used to her verbal abuse, her slaps, her rages, and the marks she etched on my body. It became second nature because I didn’t know any other way. At one stage, I even thought it was the norm for a child to be treated that way. I came to know that that’s not the case, but I didn’t know any better growing up.

  I left the hospital to find a mass of press firing questions at me. Hunter, Christian, and Mandy told them where to go. Mandy even shouted, “Step back, you fucking vultures.” I laughed about it on the way back in the car. Of course, I was treated like royalty by them. Hired cars with black tinted windows, flowers, cards, and offers of people’s sympathy poured in. I had the world on my side... all except the one person I wanted the most. Yes, I had him with me, but he was distant—aloof even. He was there when I needed him to be, but he wasn’t at the same time. It made me ache inside. After a few more days, I had come to the conclusion that Hunter and I could never go back to the way we were before.

  It crushed me.

  It had been over a week since I left hospital, and I was staying at Christian’s. I could have moved back home, but I didn’t want to revisit the house which could have been my last resting place. I knew I had to at some point, but I was happy with being close to my friends, close to new and good memories... and close to Hunter.

  He visited every day to make sure all my needs were taken care of. He even answered the phone when Christian wasn’t there. How the press managed to get a hold of Christian’s phone number was anyone’s guess, but they were relentless. I had offer after counter-offer to tell my story. I even had a literary agent call to offer me a contract to tell my story. I think the fact that my father was a published author helped. That alone would probably make the book a success. At that moment, though, I wasn’t ready. I still needed time alone.

  Christian was with me, and I wasn’t sure whether Hunter would be soon or not. He hadn’t called or texted, and I didn’t want to be the one to chase. I didn’t want to be the needy girl, who was constantly wondering where he was and if he was planning on seeing me that day.

  When the doorbell rang, I jumped, ran out through the living room door and straight to the front door. I opened it eagerly, but it wasn’t Hunter; it was Mason. He was wearing a suit and holding a bunch of flowers. He looked great, but I could tell he hadn’t been having a good time of it. His eyes were sunken, and the purple rings underneath them were visible.

  “Hey,” he whispered. It was hardly a sound.

  “Hey,” I replied back.

  He scratched his head like he was in discomfort. “I hope you don’t mind me visiting you like this. I just wanted to see you.”

  It was then I realised something. Mason was at Christian’s door, but the front door was actually downstairs. “How did you get in?”

  “The neighbour downstairs let me in.”

  I sighed. I didn’t need this when the press were hovering outside of the flat. Mason could have been anybody.

  “Do you want to come in?” I motioned for him to pass, and he started walking.

  “That would be nice, thanks.” He handed me the flowers. “I brought you these. I wasn’t sure which ones you liked, so I took the liberty of buying some lilies.”

  I took them from him and smelled them. “They’re lovely, Mason. Thank you.” I proceeded to shut the door, and we both walked into the front room. Christian was busy in the kitchen, and I knew he would want to give me some alone time.

  I placed the flowers on the coffee table and offered him a seat. “Would you like some tea or coffee?” I offered.

  Mason shook his head. “No, that’s fine. This will just be a brief visit. I really just wanted to see you and find out how you are. I’ve been worried about you... with what you must be going through... ”

  I smiled at his sentiment. Mason was always a good man. I knew that to be true, and felt bad that I didn’t save him from my mother. “I’m so sorry I never told you. I just kept thinking about how her treatment of you was so much better than her treatment of me. I know that doesn’t make sense, but—”

  Mason turned to face me more directly and interrupted. “It makes perfect sense. To me, she always acted like the perfect mother, the perfect woman, and the perfect wife. I must admit there were times when I thought she was a little aloof or quiet even. She would seem stressed out, but I just attributed it to wedding jitters. I would have never married her if I had known, but I certainly don’t blame you for not telling me.” He went silent for a moment. “From what the press are saying, you’ve dealt with this since you were a child?”

  I nodded. “Yes. Unfortunately, it has taken place on and off since my father died. It was never constant. I probably should have known something was up. It wasn’t like her to be so caring, much less forgiving. Her behaviour over the years had been anything but.” I sighed. “She always blamed me for the accident, so I just passed it off to that all the time. If it hadn’t have been my birthday, we wouldn’t have gone out that day and ran into the storm.”

  Mason’s eyes widened. “You were six.”

  I chuckled knowing what he meant. “Yeah, I was.”

  He shook his head. “That night at the party, was that... ”

  “Yes. She thought I was ruining it for her. I was just trying to keep out of the way, but then my uncle turned up... then Robert. It was just one disaster after another. I didn’t ask for all of that, but my mother didn’t see it that way.”

  Mason’s nostrils flared. “You didn’t ask for any of that.” He ran his hands through his hair, and it immediately reminded me of Hunter. “I’m so sorry. I should have been more observant.”

  I gasped. “How were you supposed to know what was happening? My mother was careful, and quite frankly, so was I. I was used to her shit and was an expert at hiding everything from everyone. I had years of practice.” Mason visibly winced. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

  Mason shook his head. “You shouldn’t have to feel sorry for anything. You should know that I’m filing for divorce.” I nodded my head, and he fell silent for a moment. I knew he was working his way up to something. “You and Hunter... ” He saw my reaction and faltered a second. When I relaxed and nodded, he carried on. “Are you together now? I wouldn’t know because he still won’t speak to me.”

  I felt bad for him. Mason was just as innocent in all of it as I was. “Quite frankly, I don’t know where we are.”

  Mason nodded. “Do you really love him?”

  That certainly got my attention. I regarded him for a second, but I already knew what I was going to say. “Yes.”

  He looked away and nodded again as if that finally answered his question. “Good.”

  That response surprised me somewhat. “Good?”

  Mason looked back at me. “Hunter needs someone in his life. Someone who loves him.”

  I straightened my posture a little. “And you don’t mind that it’s me—after what happened between us?”

  Mason chuckled slightly. “I must admit, it is strange for me, but I won’t deny the obvious feelings you have for each
other. If you two want to pursue this, then who am I to stand in your way?” He fully turned and grabbed my hand. “Yes, things are complicated. And, yes, it will be a while before any of us will get used to this, but in the short time we were living together, I got to know you, Ayden. I know you have a good heart... one that will care for my son.”

  I felt the tears well. “I do care for him very much. Take away my love for him, and he would still be my best friend before anything. Add the love in, and it just makes for someone I can’t possibly live without.”

  Mason exhaled with a smile. “He’s lucky to have you.”

  I chuckled a little. “I’m lucky to have him.” If he will have me.

  Once he saw in my eyes what he needed to, Mason patted my hand and got up. “I really must go.”

  I nodded and got up with him. “Thank you for the visit.” I pointed to the flowers. “And the flowers. They’re beautiful.”

  Mason smiled. “You’re welcome.” He came forward and offered me his arms. I accepted, wrapped my arms around him, and smelled his soothing scent. “Take care of yourself, Ayden. I hope we can see each other soon.”

  I sighed, closing my eyes. “Me, too.”

  We both broke away and smiled, but then I noticed something in the corner of my eye. Hunter was standing in the doorway—a shocked and angry expression on his face. “I should have known.” He turned to walk out the door, and in a flash, both Mason and I were on his tail.

  “Wait up, Son. This is not what you think.”

  He turned angrily at the door. Christian was behind him and he mouthed the word sorry. He was obviously the one who let Hunter in.

  “I’ll leave you guys to it.” Christian walked away, leaving us all together in the hall.

  “Then what was it, Dad? I mean, come on. How bad does it look that I come to visit Ayden, and she’s cuddling up to my dad? Normally, it wouldn’t mean shit, but after your history together.” He puffed out some air, and I knew I had lost Hunter all over again. It didn’t matter that all of it was totally innocent.